Senior Planning Officer

Salary: £44,253 - £46,579 per annum

Hours per week: 37 hours

Interview date: To be confirmed following shortlisting

Rolling advert: We are continuously reviewing and interviewing applicants weekly for this job posting. We will stop accepting applications when sufficient applications have been received.

Our Strategic Planning service drives the council’s planning framework which aims to make sustainable development a reality in one of the country’s largest local planning authorities. We are responsible for development plans which aim to deliver sustainable development throughout the county, helping to raise prosperity, regenerate our town centres, boost business and make Wiltshire an even better place to call home. 

Our main planning projects are delivering the new Wiltshire Local Plan (incorporating minerals and waste matters), supporting our communities to produce Neighbourhood Plans, and measuring the performance of our development plans.

As an established unitary authority, we can offer the following opportunity to develop your knowledge of planning and shape the future of a thriving county with so much to offer.

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will make a significant contribution towards the preparation, monitoring and review of the new Wiltshire Local Plan, working with stakeholders to deliver sustainable development. Ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping Wiltshire’s communities and future built and natural landscapes. 

For this role you will need to have significant post-qualification experience working as a planning officer within the public or private sector, including leading on planning-related themes and mentoring junior members of staff. Working experience of data handling and analysis in a planning environment will be required, as will experience in GIS software and applications.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here.

Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location.

We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.

Contact details

Christopher Roe, Planning Manager (Strategic), [email protected], 01225 713 979.

Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.

Application criteria

Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply.

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.

Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion

Disability Confident Employer

Application process

Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura).

Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission.

Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.